Scholarship named after Crisp Co. sheriff

Georgia law enforcers are coming together to honor a veteran south Georgia sheriff who is battling cancer.

For the past 35 years Sheriff Donnie Haralson has worked in law enforcement in Cordele, but recently his battle with cancer has prevented him from doing the job he loves as sheriff in Crisp County.

The Georgia Narcotics Officers Association and the Crisp County Sheriff's office are teaming up to name a scholarship in honor of Sheriff Haralson.

"This probably means the world to him to do something like this and to honor him this way. I know it means a lot to me and it means a lot to the citizens of Cordele," said Retired Major John Wiggins.

The Georgia Narcotics Officers Association is also having a fundraiser benefiting the scholarship fund. The benefit, Pigs in the Park, will be at Lake Blackshear.

"Sheriff Haralson undergoing treatment with his battle with cancer, he has good days and bad days. But when we contacted him about doing the Pigs in the Park, he was elated about this," said Wesley Nunn, President of Georgia Narcotics Officers Association.

Major John Wiggins has known Sheriff Haralson for decades and says he has a big presence in the community. He has high hopes for the Sheriff's future.

"I'm hoping he'll come back to work next week. Yes, yes, he'll be back," said Retired Major John Wiggins.

Major Wiggins says with some pretty aggressive treatments, Sheriff Haralson is staying in good spirits.

Sheriff Haralson hasn't been able to come to the office in a couple of weeks. We're told he's doing fine and is at home resting with his family.

Pigs in the Park will take place May 16 through 18 and will feature a golf tournament and a music festival.

The Donnie Haralson Scholarship Fund will start taking application June 1 and awarded in August. The student must be a Georgia resident with a 3.0 grade point average majoring in criminology.